The Symbolic Universes of Art in Society

This volume explores the dynamic dialogue of art within society from a multitude of perspectives across the world. It highlights art as a process that is interwoven with notions of physical and metaphysical transition and represents a fundamental awareness of how art is represented and shaped through everyday social challenges. The chapters in this volume link the idea of symbolic universes with social practices of art in different societies and through different historical epochs, under the assumption that art leads the development of cultural systems underlying society. The volume looks at art that is shaped by forgotten or/and hidden perspectives. It suggests that art may have crucial, phenomenologically approachable variations that have been misunderstood in the scientific fields. The work considers art and science as complementary, instead of as counterparts/opposing forces.

Divided into an introductory and four thematic parts, the volume reflects on historical signs preserved in artwork; explores the meaning behind art and the experience of cultural cultivation; delves into the dynamic shaping of creative expression through art; and, finally, looks at the artists’ own experiences of performance. This volume is of interest to researchers and students in the fields of cultural psychology, semiotics, arts and aesthetics, and cultural studies.